Does a board or commission need to review my project? What permits are necessary?

This is a difficult question to answer without complete knowledge of the project’s purpose and scope. The types and number of permits can vary greatly for different projects. In addition, a project may require authorization from any number of boards and/or departments (e.g., Board of Health, Board of Zoning Appeals, Building Department, Conservation Commission, Department of Public Works, etc.).      

In general, any construction project requires a permit from the Department of Municipal Licenses and Inspections (Building Department). If the project includes work within (or disturbance to) an environmental resource area within the Conservation Commission’s jurisdiction (e.g., wetland, river, pond, or stream), then a review by the Conservation Commission may be required. In addition, projects may require a site plan review by the Town’s Planning Director (see Zoning Ordinance, Article XXV, Section 120-123) or relief from a zoning regulation by the Board of Zoning Appeals (i.e., a special permit or variance).

A good place for residents and business owners to start is the Weymouth Zoning Ordinance, which lists permitted and prohibited uses of property based on zoning districts. For assistance in making an informed decision about a proposed project, residents and business owners can meet with Planning Department staff by visiting the office at town hall by appointment and/or meet with a Town Building Inspector during open office hours at the Building Department on the first floor of town hall. The Building Department can help determine whether or not your proposed project is complaint with the Weymouth Zoning Ordinance. If the project requires a special permit or variance under the ordinance – or if the project will be done in close proximity to an environmental resource area – the Building Department can instruct you as to which boards and/or commissions to apply. To schedule a meeting with planning staff, please call the Principal Planner at (781) 682-3637 or send an email.